After many tears yesterday concerning my daddy, my daughter ended my evening by tapping out the notes of Amazing Grace on the piano.

She doesn’t play the piano.

She doesn’t hear Amazing Grace at our church.

I heard her tickling the keys, but really wasn’t focused on any melody.  With great excitement she said, “Mommy!  I’m playing Amazing Grace!  Listen!”   Then my husband (who also doesn’t play the piano) joined in with her.  Eventually they found most of the notes.

Suddenly I realized the Lord meant that for me.

Yesterday was difficult.  I watched my daddy go through a lot and for someone who is merciful … it was almost more than I could take.  But aside from the physical aspect, I have cried out for years to know the security of my parent’s salvation.  Both confess Christ as their Savior, but only God knows their hearts.

The interesting thing is the very piano my daughter played was the one from my daddy’s childhood home.  My sister shared with me that right before my grandmother died she suddenly had the energy to play hymns again (on that very piano).  I also remember playing Amazing Grace at their home.  My grandparents had a little record player in their living room and I remember playing the 45 (some of you know what I’m talking about) of that very song.

I found comfort in the lyrics of this sweet hymn last night.  I thought I’d share them with you in a style that would sound like it came from my Baptist roots.

They skipped a lot of verses, so I wanted to share them as well:

Amazing Grace

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

I am praying daddy will step over into heaven soon and be reunited with his parents.  This is a picture of my grandmother (his mom) that sits on top of her piano.   I can’t imagine how much I will miss him, but this is no way for him to live.

God bless you all today.  Thank you for praying for my family.